Rocker EDDIE VAN HALEN has become a real-life guitar hero after donating 75 electric instruments from his personal collection to schools in Los Angeles.
The Jump hitmaker, who recently announced plans for a new album and tour with his reunited band Van Halen, handed over the guitars to the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, a non-profit organisation that supports music education in public schools.
The instruments will go to schools that need guitars to meet the demands of students.
Announcing his generous gift on Wednesday (11Jan12), Van Halen said, "Music is the universal language. It has the ability to transcend and convey every human emotion that exists without saying a word. Music kept me off the streets and out of trouble and gave me something that was mine that no one could take away from me.
"Music education and families are dealing with the economic times, and I wanted to help them. If I can help a kid discover a liking, or even a passion for music in their life, then that's a wonderful thing. Music has provided a good life for me and hopefully it can help make life better for others with this donation."